The Jewel means wealth. The Jewel means beauty. The Jewel means royalty. But for girls like Violet, the Jewel means servitude. Not just any kind of servitude. Violet, born and raised in the Marsh, has been trained as a surrogate for the royalty—because in the Jewel the only thing more important than opulence is offspring.

Purchased at the surrogacy auction by the Duchess of the Lake and greeted with a slap to the face, Violet (now known only as #197) quickly learns of the brutal truths that lie beneath the Jewel’s glittering facade: the cruelty, backstabbing, and hidden violence that have become the royal way of life.

Violet must accept the ugly realities of her existence... and try to stay alive. But then a forbidden romance erupts between Violet and a handsome gentleman hired as a companion to the Duchess’s petulant niece. Though his presence makes life in the Jewel a bit brighter, the consequences of their illicit relationship will cost them both more than they bargained for.

This book, to be honest, sounds just like the YA books I have been trying to steer myself away from, but clearly, that is not working. It caught my attention, however, I have seen mixed reviews from readers who received ARC copies of the book and some are pretty harsh. Of course, I will put aside all other opinions when I actually read the book, but needless to say, I won't be going into it with very high expectations. Also...I know I should not judge the book this way, but the cover...it is amazing... xD